Gall bladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, is the removal of the gall bladder, a small pear-shaped organ located below the liver in the right upper abdomen, as stated in the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health. Cholecystectomy is commonly done in to treat gallstones. After sedation the surgeon creates several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope and specialized instruments. He then carefully separates the gall bladder from all the other structures. There are several possible complications of gall bladder surgery.
Injury to the Bile Duct
According to MedlinePlus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health, there is a risk for injury to the bile duct after gall bladder surgery. Improper instrumentation can lead to this injury, which can cause leakage of bile to the abdominal and peritoneal cavity. If bile leakage occurs, surgery is needed to repair the damage.
Blood Clots
Blood clot formation is a common complication of gall bladder surgery, as listed by MedlinePlus. These clots usually show up in the legs a few days after surgery. Patients experience pain and swelling in their legs. In some cases, these clots can dislodge from the legs and enter the lungs, causing an embolism, which is very fatal.
Skin-Level or Deep Infection
The risk for skin-level or deep infection is apparent in any surgical procedure, including gall bladder surgery, as stated by MedlinePlus. Skin-level infection can occur at the incision site on the abdomen or in the abdominal cavity itself, which is called peritonitis. Surgeons usually use antibiotics to treat infection.
Bleeding
The risk for bleeding during and after surgery is also a possible complication for gall bladder surgery, as reported by MedlinePlus. The abdomen is full of highly vascularized organs, and the slightest injury and breakage can cause bleeding. Although rare in cholecystectomy, blood transfusion may be needed to manage massive blood loss.
Stomach and Intestine Perforation
According to MedlinePlus, stomach and intestinal perforation is a possible complication of gall bladder surgery. Invasive instrumentation could damage the structures and contents of the abdominal cavity. Depending on the degree, the damage could either be temporary or permanent. In some cases, additional surgery is required to repair the perforation.
